Laminate Carbon Blade in Vinegar advice.

[Jedadiah]

Hi,
i've read on another thread that it is common practice to clean laminated high carbon blades in white vinegar. Just a couple of questions

1) Is there a maximum time to soak them?
2) If there is, what is it and what is the effect on the blade if this is exceeded?
3) If there isnt, is there any benifit in soaking for a long period (is it a case of, the longer the better)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[addyb]

This isn't really my forte' as I prefer a stainless blade but...

1) Overnight is what I've read. Take paper towels, soak them in the vinegar, and wrap them around the blade.

2) I'm not sure, really.

3) I also don't know. Sorry!

I know this doesn't help much, but I hope it answers at least the first of your questions half way decently.

Adam

PS: I've also read that the same patina can be achieved by slipping the blade up to the hilt in a potato and leaving it overnight. Never tried it though, I got rid of all my carbon blades years ago.

 

[dommyracer]

i've read on another thread that it is common practice to clean laminated high carbon blades in white vinegar.

This isn't done to clean the blades, its done to put a dark 'patina' on them.
Some just like the look, but the patina can help to protect the blade from serious rusting.

wrap the blade in tissue paper and soak it overnight should do you.

 

[oetzi]

vinegar does clean brass, though.

 

[Draven]

Vinegar will clean rust off though, won't it?

 

[kb31]

i've had a idea if you cut a wavey strip bit of paper and wraped it around the blade
then diped it in vinger would you get a tiger stripe look ?

 

[Shinken]

Dont get any on the handle though!

 

[8thsinner]

I like the idea of putting a pattern on the blade face, but paper would not work, nail varnish might work better but I am not even sure if vinegar would eat through that or not.
Try it and let us know what happens with it.

I know some oils leave a tiny light patina on my North star already, I was hoping if I kept on using it the same way it would give it a kinda camo patina look.